COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE

Fishing Regulations Fishing Report

Friday November 9th, 2018 Review

News and Information

CPW staff, volunteers turn shop at John Martin Reservoir into fish market as they catch, weigh, measure and fillet fish in annual survey The shop behind the John Martin Reservoir State Park dam resembled a fish market recently when Colorado Parks and Wildlife aquatic biologists, staff and volunteers assembled to survey fish in the lake.

CPW asks anglers to temporarily stop fishing in the 'toilet bowl' as scheduled maintenance begins at Ruedi Reservoir The City of Aspen has scheduled their annual maintenance of the hydroelectric plant on the dam at Ruedi Reservoir next week, beginning Oct. 29. During the approximately 10-day effort, Colorado Parks and Wildlife will implement a voluntary fishing closure in the toilet bowl.

Fishing Basics Saturday, November 10. Have you ever wanted to learn how to fish or haven't fished in a while and need to sharpen your skills? Come join the St Vrain Rangers and staff for an informative and fun-filled morning learning the basics of fishing and trying out your new skills.

Kokanee Salmon Regulations and Give-aways. For details on regulations, give-away locations and requirements, see the flyer. Be sure to read the "New for 2018" section.

Now you can take the #ColoradoOutdoors anywhere. Follow us on @instagram @coparkswildlife! http://instagram.com/coparkswildlife

Check out our CPW community on Facebook. Colorado anglers can “like" the CPW Facebook page to get tips, share stories and more. If you love the outdoors, this is the place to be. Before you head out, head for facebook.com/ColoradoParksandWildlife/.

Fish with us on Twitter Colorado anglers can get updates directly from CPW on Twitter. Follow @COParksWildlife.

COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE ▪ 1313 Sherman St., Denver, CO 80203 ▪ (303) 297-1192 ▪ cpw.state.co.us Closure Information

Due to high water temperatures and low flows, Colorado Parks and Wildlife is implementing voluntary fishing closures on several stretches of rivers in Colorado. The fishing closure are effective immediately, until further notice.

Although anglers are not legally prohibited from fishing in these stretches, CPW is asking anglers to fish early in the day and find alternative places to fish until conditions improve. Contact the closest Colorado Parks and Wildlife office for more details.

Northwest Region

Voluntary Closures Between 2 pm & Midnight and Full Day, 24 hour Voluntary Closures  None at this time.

Southeast Region

Voluntary Closure Between Noon and Midnight  Conejos River from Platoro Reservoir down to Broyles Bridge.

Closures NO LONGER in Effect

 Crystal River from Avalanche Creek downstream to its confluence with the Roaring Fork River.  Yampa River from Chuck Lewis State Wildlife Area to western Steamboat Springs city limits.  Eagle River from Wolcott downstream to its confluence with the Colorado River.  A mandatory fishing closure in place at the tailwater of the Yampa River has been rescinded (see 7/19/18 news release).  Colorado River from State Bridge downstream to Rifle.  Colorado River from the confluence with the Fraser River near Windy Gap Reservoir downstream to its confluence with the Williams Fork River near Parshall.  Fraser River from Grand County Road 8 in Fraser, downstream through the towns of Tabernash and Granby to confluence with the Colorado River near Windy Gap Reservoir.  North Fork of White River at the National Forest boundary, through the mainstem of the river to the County Road 5 bridge, downstream of the Rio Blanco Lake State Wildlife Area.  South Fork of the White River from the National Forest boundary thorough the mainstem of the river to the County Road 5 bridge, downstream of the Rio Blanco Lake State Wildlife Area.  Roaring Fork River from Carbondale downstream to its confluence with the Colorado River.

For a complete up to date list of Fishing Closures currently in effect visit the CPW Website To check closures call your CPW Regional office. In the Northeast Region, call the Denver office at 303-291-7227. In the Southeast Region, call the Colorado Springs office at 719-227-5200. In the Southwest Region, call the Durango office at 970- 375-6708. In the Northwest Region, call the Grand Junction office at 970-255-6100.

COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE ▪ 1313 Sherman St., Denver, CO 80203 ▪ (303) 297-1192 ▪ cpw.state.co.us Stocking Report

Body of Water Region Report Date

Dillon Reservoir Northeast 11/2/2018

Crystal River #1 Northwest 11/2/2018

Crystal River #2 Northwest 11/2/2018

Axial Basin Lake Northwest 11/2/2018

Craig City Pond Northwest 11/2/2018

Stagecoach Reservoir Northwest 11/2/2018

Prospect Lake Southeast 11/2/2018

Quail Lake Southeast 11/2/2018

Wonderland Lake Northeast 11/1/2018

Thornton Gravel Lake #2 Northeast 11/1/2018

Cherry Creek Reservoir Northeast 11/1/2018

Martin Lake Southeast 10/31/2018

Dillon Reservoir Northeast 10/30/2018

Harvey Gap Reservoir Northwest 10/30/2018

Fountain Lake Southeast 10/30/2018

Palmer Lake Southeast 10/30/2018

Runyon Lake Southeast 10/30/2018

Monument Lake Southeast 10/30/2018

Stratton Pond Southeast 10/29/2018

Hale Pond #1 Southeast 10/29/2018

Hale Pond #2 Southeast 10/29/2018

Hale Pond #3 Southeast 10/29/2018

COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE ▪ 1313 Sherman St., Denver, CO 80203 ▪ (303) 297-1192 ▪ cpw.state.co.us

Catch of the Week

Matthew taking advantage of the twilight hours this fall season. He caught and released this monster brook trout on the fly near Winter Park!

Have a fish you're proud of? Share your photo! Email [email protected] and put “Catch of the Week” in the subject line.

COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE ▪ 1313 Sherman St., Denver, CO 80203 ▪ (303) 297-1192 ▪ cpw.state.co.us Conditions Report – Metro

Aurora Reservoir This 762-acre impoundment is located off of E. Quincy Avenue, two miles east of E-470. As of 11/9/2018, the fishing is currently fair to good but should be picking up as many of the Front Range reservoir’s water temperatures are continuing to drop. The walleye and smallmouth bite is really improving as blade baits are getting good catches of both species. Bottom bouncer rigs with a minnow will be a great technique during the forecasted, cold days we are supposed to be getting. Water temperatures should be falling in the lower 40’s soon. Restricted to electric motors only. For more information call 303-326- 8425. Park hours November 6:30am-6:00pm. Boating will be closed beginning November 30th. This includes hand launched watercraft such as canoes, kayaks, float tubes etc. Aurora Reservoir

Chatfield Reservoir This 1,356 impoundment is located in Chatfield State Park. As of 11/9/2018, the fishing has been steadily picking up and improving overall for the walleye bite with the cold weather moving through the Front Range. Main points to hit are the contour lines at around 25-30 feet of water. As of Monday, November 5th, the water temperatures were about 48 degrees. That magic number many guides are looking for is 45 degrees or lower 40’s. The shad are not able to handle water temperatures that low and will begin to die off in larger numbers. Once this threshold is reached, guides recommend using minnows, live baits or imitations. Thursday’s cold weather snap could really get the water temperatures close to that mark so monitor it closely. Current techniques that are getting some good catches are jigging Rapalas and blade baits along those contour lines mentioned in about 25-30 feet of water. Chatfield Reservoir

Cherry Creek This 881-acre impoundment is located in Cherry Creek State Park, in Aurora. There are two entrances to the park, the east entrance off S. Dayton St. and the west entrance off S. Parker Rd. As of 11/9/2018, Cherry Creek is slowing down a bit lately as opposed to last month’s reports. The fishing is still really good but not on the same level. Instead of a 20 plus fish day, anglers are getting around 10 decent fish on good days. Same techniques as Chatfield are also getting fish at Cherry Creek. Jigging Rapalas and blade baits on the contour lines. Guides are saying that the walleye bite will pick back up with the colder water temperatures and when the shad start to die off in more numbers. Like previously mentioned, once the shad are few and far between, using minnow rigs will be a great option for consistent catches! Cherry Creek State Park

Quincy Reservoir As of 10/31/2018, Quincy Reservoir is closed for the season. Quincy Reservoir

Conditions Report - Northeast Colorado

Clear Creek As of 11/9/2018, the fishing along Clear Creek has remained really good. The nightly temperatures are lowering the water temperatures enough that you can start fishing a little later in the day. Nymphing is the way to go as we start to shift into winter mode. Bead headed Hare’s Ear, Copper Johns and Psycho Princes are all good point flies. Juju Baetis, RS2’s and various midge patterns in the #18-22 sizes will all be go to choices for your trailing fly pattern for these next few weeks. Flows: 21.2 CFS (11/9/2018) Clear Creek

Deckers and Cheesman Canyon As of 11/9/2018, the flows for the river system have dropped to the winter range for the remainder of the season most likely. Fishing will get more technical now and tippet sizes should be decreased, guides suggest 5x-6x sizes for fluorocarbon. Fish will start to stack up in the deeper holes as these nightly temperatures are getting colder and days are getting shorter. Still keep an eye out for fish to enter faster moving water during the warmer days, however. Using a mixture of the small, typical midge and baetis patterns in the deeper holes are a safe bet. Big attractor patterns should stay somewhat to a lower profile than typically used earlier in the season. Some good options for attractors are San Juan worms as well as an egg patter. Blue Winged Olive hatches have been reported daily especially on the overcast afternoons. A few patterns that have been reporting some success are RS2’s #20-22, Juju Baetis, Miracle nymphs, and WD-40’s. If you see some good top water action try a Sparkle Dun or an Extended Bodied blue winged olive in the #18-22 sizes. Flows: 69.1 CFS (11/9/2018) Deckers and Cheesman Canyon

COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE ▪ 1313 Sherman St., Denver, CO 80203 ▪ (303) 297-1192 ▪ cpw.state.co.us Eleven Mile Reservoir As of 11/9/2018, Eleven Mile has cooled off a bit lately, literally and the fishing bite as well. Fish by no means have stopped feeding but after the excellent fishing Eleven Mile has experienced this past fall, things had to taper off eventually. Big trout are still being caught in many areas around the lake but they are a little less easy to locate and they are bit pickier than previous weeks. Reports of 4-6 pound trout are still coming in and the lighter colored tube jigs are still getting a lot of good catches. Kokanee salmon fishing in the lake has been very poor as almost no reports of anglers catching anything have come in. The pike fishing has improved and reports of bigger pike are starting to come in as well. Spinney initially was the go to place for the big pike this fall but Eleven Mile is starting to make a name for itself in the pike department. Eleven Mile State Park

Jackson Lake State Park As of 11/9/2018, the surface water temperature were reported at about 47 degrees. The fishing for about all species is rated as fair to good right now. The fall has the walleye and wipers after the remaining bait fish while the channel catfish and crappie are also actively feeding. Shad imitations and bait fish set ups will be a good technique for the wipers and walleyes as they stock up for the winter and feed off the remaining bait fish. Jackson Lake

Spinney Mountain Reservoir As of 11/9/2018, Spinney is limited to self launchable watercraft and shore fishing for the remainder of the year. Trout fishing is starting to tail off but plenty of anglers are reporting success. No secrets here however, egg patterns and chironomids are going to be the best techniques for trout. Wooly Buggers or egg eating leach patterns can also be lethal for the trout fishing. If you are after the pike, work coves and the shorelines where the weed beds are still alive. Reports indicate that the weed beds are still apparent even with the cold weather. Keep in mind that the bite will be delayed until the temperatures heat up some later in the day and the shorelines are also starting to show ice in the mornings but melting away once temperatures increase a bit. Spinney Reservoir

South Platte – Charlie Meyers As of 11/9/2018, not much at all has changed for the Dream Stream including the crowds unfortunately. If this section of the Platte is on your list, expect extreme crowds. The browns are still spawning so be aware of the clean gravel beds called REDDS and avoid any fish in close proximity of them. Both lake run browns and kokanee are still in the river system. The biggest trick for the browns is convincing them with your rigs as they have seen every fly pattern under the sun this past month. In general, the lake run browns are after nymph rigs and occasional streamers. Fly patterns to consider are eggs, Squirmies, baetis, chironomids, and midges. The biggest consideration is a good presentation as these fish have seen a lot of bad ones this fall so it is recommended to sight fish before casting. Flows have increased which should improve the bite. Please be respectful of other anglers, fishing real estate is tight up there so patience and respect will be needed. Flows: 125 CFS (11/9/2018) South Platte – Charlie Meyers

Conditions Report - Southeast Colorado

Arkansas River-Below Lake Pueblo As of 11/9/2018, flows in this stretch of the Arkansas have jumped a bit which has brought in some improved fishing according to reports. Typical fall fishing is still being observed as the weather has been mild and comfortable for anglers. Blue winged olive, trico and midge activity has all been strong as the caddis hatches are starting to taper off. Typically with these hatches you will see the trico spinner fall during the low light hours of the day and the midges during the afternoons when the sun is high and temperatures are warmer. Water clarity is about 1 to 2 feet with a little bit of lake turnover in the river system. Nymph rigs that get down to the bottom will be most productive but articulated streamers will still get some big fish until the season turns colder and shifts more into winter. Flows: 193 CFS (11/9/2018) Lake Pueblo State Park

COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE ▪ 1313 Sherman St., Denver, CO 80203 ▪ (303) 297-1192 ▪ cpw.state.co.us Upper Arkansas – Near Salida As of 11/9/2018, the fishing has remained good as the conditions are really shifting to winter lately. Water clarity is good above Vallie Bridge as the stretch below has some debris in the system still from the Hayden Pass fire. The morning fishing is slow so best to wait until temperatures warm up a bit before hitting the water. Fish have been reported congregating together in the deeper holes now so finding them will be easier as they begin to get into their winter positions. During the warmer days, they will spread back out to feed off of the hatches. Caddis larvae and stonefly nymphs are the go to morning bugs and midges later in the day. A streamer is not out of the question and might actually be a great choice as we are still in that season. Try casting your streamers along banks and buckets and possibly in some of the deeper drop-offs if they have moved out of the shallower waters with the colder conditions. Flows: 208 CFS (11/9/2018) Upper Arkansas River

John Martin Reservoir As of 11/9/2018, the east and west boat ramps are now closed for the season. Not much to report at the moment for the reservoir but it deserves a mention in the report mainly due to the fall/winter conditions it is experiencing especially with the forecast we have this weekend and early next week. After Saturday, the temperatures are going to drop in the Las Animas area which is going to kill off a lot of the bait fish like the shad. This gives the walleye and bass less options in terms of food so they will be more desperate to hit your lures and bait rigs. The smallmouth and striped bass should be fishing really well. Try tube jigs and drop baits. For walleye, use your go to jigging Rapalas and blade baits but once the water temperatures really drop, think minnows in terms of bait or lure imitations. John Martin

Lake Pueblo State Park As of 11/9/2018, Pueblo Reservoir has been on fire lately for both bass and walleye. The smallmouth bass in particular are fishing really well at the moment and anglers are having a lot of success when using tube jigs and drop baits. Not much to report on wiper fishing but this is the time of year where the bite should be picking up before the winter. Walleye fishing has also been very successful when using drop baits and tube jigs. If you are specifically targeting walleye, blade baits and jigging Rapalas will get catches. Look for these cooler temperatures ahead to really improve the fishing especially the walleye bite. Lake Pueblo State Park

Trinidad Lake State Park As of 11/9/2018, the lake is at 703 surface acres with a surface elevation of 6182.28. Surface water temperatures are around 45 degrees. Water temperatures are ideal for walleye fishing and the bass bite should be picking up as the lake’s ecosystem is shifting into late fall or winter mode meaning fish are going to stock up on the remaining baitfish that are alive. South Shore fishermen are catching trout on homemade dough bait, PowerBait (green color) and worms all along the shore, which has been decent with all species of fish. In Reilly Canyon the river has slowed down to a trickle and heavy willows/vegetation has emerged around the lake. The most action for fish is occurring in the early mornings and late evenings. Boaters have done well targeting walleye. Smallmouth are being caught in the morning and afternoon hours. Trout are being caught during all hours. Worm harnesses and crank baits have worked well. Boating is still open for the season. All boats must be inspected prior to launching. Trinidad Lake

Conditions Report - Northwest Colorado

Blue River – Silverthorne As of 11/9/2018, the blue winged olive hatches have been really strong lately which is allowing for some great dry fly fishing on the overcast afternoons. Be sure to carry plenty of blue winged olive patterns in fairly small sizes as these are some very picky fish. Some good patterns include a Parachute Adams, BWO Extended Body and CDC Baetis Dun in the #18-20 sizes. A double or triple nymph rig needs to be considered if you are not noticing consistent top water activity. Point flies include Rainbow Warriors, mysis shrimp or Globugs in the #16-18 size then followed by a midge or small baetis around a size #20. Sight fishing will be the best technique as these fish scatter around since the temperatures at this tail water section are more consistent than other freestone sections. Flows: 52.1 CFS (11/9/2018) Blue River

COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE ▪ 1313 Sherman St., Denver, CO 80203 ▪ (303) 297-1192 ▪ cpw.state.co.us Colorado River – Near Kremmling As of 11/9/2018, so far this week has shown flows to be fairly consistent to the historical averages which is a good sign. Indicator rigs have been getting the most success according to reports as the streamer bite has been very average lately. Good point flies for nymph rigs are Pheasant Tails with some flash to them, Pat’s Rubber Legs or an egg pattern. Barr’s Emergers and Zebra midges are good choices for your smaller flies. Many fish have been noticed in deeper sections of the river rather than closer to shore. Make sure to include streamers of all shapes and sizes as the bite might be more interested in something like small Wooly Buggers and other days large articulated streamers might be what the trout are after. Flows: 549 CFS (11/9/2018) Colorado River

Frying Pan River – Ruedi As of 11/9/2018, the overall fishing on the Frying Pan has been really good as of late. Flows are really low but have remained consistent. Much of the same fly patterns and techniques from last week will also fit the bill now as the main difference is the fish beginning to spend more time in the deeper waters as winter approaches. Dry flies are still hatching on the cloudy days and when the temperatures are not frigid. Green drakes and pale morning duns are starting to give way to blue winged olive hatches but all three can be observed. Nymph rigs will also be productive and probably the most consistent depending on the day. Nymphs that are on the menu right now include Split Case blue winged olives, Tungsten baetis, pale morning dun emergers, mysis shrimp and Bling Midges. Flows: CFS 46.4 (11/9/2018) Frying Pan River

Lake John As of 11/9/2018, the temperatures have dropped at Lake John and we received some new snow over the last couple of days. Nothing major and the roads are already melting. In the past week we’ve seen low’s in the 20’s and high’s in the 40’s, consistently. Fishing is still very active here at Lake John. Gold Kastmasters, worms, and garlic PowerBait are all doing well right now. We are seeing 17-19.5 inch fish pretty regularly! As of now, there is no ice reported at Lake John, the Delaney’s, or Cowdrey. Lake John

Steamboat Lake As of 11/9/2018, the creeks are still flowing but ice is beginning to form. The shores of the lake are starting to freeze over, but you are still able to cast to open water in the afternoon hours when some of the ice melts. The fishing has been quite successful the past few weeks, with many fish over 20 inches caught. The green and orange PowerBait, gold spinners, and salmon eggs have been the most successful types of bait. Steamboat Lake

Sylvan Lake As of 11/7/2018, the lake has been drained due to a damn replacement project taking place in the summer of 2019. Sylvan Lake

Yampa River – Chuck Lewis State Wildlife Area As of 11/9/2018, the town section of the river has still been fishing really well! Now is the time to start fishing in the deeper pockets and pools for these trout. Nymph rigs are the most productive but you will see some nice hatches on the cloudier days especially a strong blue winged olive hatch right before dusk so be prepared with some dry flies in your box. Nymphs to include are Two Bit Hookers, Shotglass Baetis, smaller midges and even some egg patterns. Streamer fishing is still getting some fish and now might present a very exciting opportunity to fish them as both the big trout and pike are actively looking for meals with a lot of protein. If you decide to fish the tail waters of Stagecoach, make sure to down size the tippet and use small midges as the flows are low and clarity is very clear. Flows: CFS 69.9 (11/9/2018) Yampa River

COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE ▪ 1313 Sherman St., Denver, CO 80203 ▪ (303) 297-1192 ▪ cpw.state.co.us Conditions Report - Southwest Colorado

Gunnison River – Near Gunnison As of 11/9/2018, fishing on the Gunnison has been fishing well reports indicate. Some ice reported on the main drainage but wade fishing remains really good. Baetis nymphs and midge larvae are getting fish throughout the midday hours. The Gunnison is getting close to winter mode so keep the flies small with longer leaders and small tippet. Water is also clear and the flows are low meaning fish are on alert so sight fish if you can. The dry fly action is sporadic but can be strong in the afternoons when conditions are right. A griffith’s Gnat or a blue winged olive Parachute Adam’s will be good choices for dry flies if enough surface activity is witnessed. Flows: CFS 232 (11/9/2018) Gunnison River

Taylor River As of 11/9/2018, Taylor River is also fishing well. This catch and release section has been most production between 10 am to about 4 pm with blue winged olive and midge hatches. Blue winged olive emergers and black or gray sparkle winged RS2’s in the #20 size are getting some good catches. Much like the Gunnison, the fish are not starting to school up in their winter feeding grounds so be on the lookout for deep runs and pools to find fish. Brown trout are still in spawning season so be aware of their REDDS. Spawning also means that egg patterns will be a hot item for the scavenging fish in deeper pools below shallower rifles where REDDS might be present. If you are fishing the tail water section, a mysis shrimp is always a must for your nymph rig. Taylor River

Navajo Lake State Park As of 11/9/2018, the lake level is 6018.25 and the water temperature at the boat ramp in Arboles is approximately 56 degrees. The boat ramp at Two Rivers Marina closed October 14 at 5:00 PM for the purpose of re-surfacing the lower part of the ramp. Bass fishing is going to mainly be your smallmouths at this point as the water temperatures decline. Use a crankbait or try slow rolling a spinner bait in shallow waters near drop offs and structures. Trout fishing has been good and should remain decent for the remainder of the season. Trolling for trout will slow down as the temperatures continue to decrease but some anglers are still catching fish. Navajo Lake

Ridgway State Park As of 11/9/2018, the trout fishing at Ridgway Reservoir has been really productive lately with various lures, worms, salmon eggs, spinners, and Rapala’s. No reports of Kokanee salmon being taken. The ponds at Pa-Co-Chu-Puk have been fishing slowly with worms and salmon eggs. Pa-Co-Chu-Puk River has been fishing well with small nymphs, various blue winged olive imitations, and leeches. Ridgway State Park

San Juan River - Near Pagosa Springs As of 11/9/2018, the flows are in a consistent decline as the river settles into the winter season stream flows. The dry fly fishing is slowing down but blue winged olives are still hatching at times and should still be considered if the hatches are strong and the trout are dialed in on them. For nymph rigs, use San Juan worms and egg patterns for a good lead fly followed by a Juju baetis, Top Secret Midge, or a Two Bit Hooker. On cloudy days, streamers will still be in the game but fish will start to move away from shorelines and into the deeper pools or near the middle of the river in deeper runs so fish accordingly. Flows: 63.5 CFS (11/9/2018) San Juan River

COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE ▪ 1313 Sherman St., Denver, CO 80203 ▪ (303) 297-1192 ▪ cpw.state.co.us Conditions Report – Statewide

We are again going through another weather pattern much like last week’s forecast. The northwest and southwest region’s forecasts look to be a little milder and will have more consistent temperatures as the rest of the state is showing precipitation and colder temperatures for Sunday and early next week. For reservoirs the same principal applies, when the water temperatures start to get below the mid 40’s consistently, the bait fish like shad are going to start to die off in numbers meaning the walleye, wipers, and smallmouth bass are going to have fewer food sources to choose from and be more likely to take your baits and lures. The pike fishing near shorelines, weed beds, and points is also going to get better as they also make that last feeding push before winter kicks in. The rivers are all dropping to their winter flows and clarity is gin clear in most waters. This means technical fishing but finding the trout should be easier as they will be stacking up in their winter positions such as deep pools, runs and slower moving water. Think small midge patterns and blue winged olives. There is not much time left before the lakes start to freeze over or the rivers enter full winter mode so take advantage and remember to share your catches with us!

Tip of the Week

We are getting to that time of the year where many of the rivers, streams, and lakes ecosystems are evolving into winter modes. You can still consider it fall fishing but tactics and choices of flies and lures are changing up a bit. The bite is still hot in many areas and getting better as the last push for food is made before winter kicks in. Fishing guide Scott Voyles has some fly fishing tips on how to approach the tail end of fall and beginning of winter, “For fall conditions, we will be seeing the lakes start to freeze on the banks in the morning and it will only be a few more weeks until they cap. This time of year the water levels drop in the rivers and fishing can be great even though it might be cold outside. When choosing flies, think of midges and blue wing olives in sizes #18-24 for the South Platte and the Arkansas Rivers. The fish will be in the deeper pools and sometimes in the riffles when it’s warmer. As we continue with the winter season, be sure to layer apparel properly and keep spare clothes in the car just in case.” – Scott Voyles, Anglers Covey, Colorado Springs.

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DNR Fish Reporter

COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE ▪ 1313 Sherman St., Denver, CO 80203 ▪ (303) 297-1192 ▪ cpw.state.co.us